The high recurrence rate of odontogenic keratocysts (OKC) entails a large number of follow-up interventions after primary surgery. This study aimed to compare recurrent with primary OKC in regard to recurrence rate, treatment modality, radiographic and clinical findings. A single center retrospective cohort study with surgically treated OKC between 2012 and 2021 was conducted. The primary predictor was recurrence type of the lesion: primary (P-OKC), first recurrence (R1-OKC) and second recurrence (R2-OKC). The primary outcome variables were recurrence and time to recurrence. 68 surgeries were identified. Recurrence was not significantly associated with recurrence type (p = 0.906) but with the method of surgery (p < 0.001). Marsupialized R1-OKC recurred earlier than marsupialized P-OKC. Diameter was significantly associated with recurrence type (p = 0.002). R1-OKC had a smaller median diameter than P-OKC and R2-OKC were smaller than R1-and P-OKC. P-OKC were associated with teeth in 79% of surgeries, R1-OKC in 61% and R2-OKC in 27% (p = 0.007). Postoperative numbness was present after 40% of surgeries and decreased to 15% at follow-up, independently of recurrence type. Time to recurrence may be shorter for recurrent marsupialized OKC. Recurrent OKC are smaller and less often associated with teeth. Postoperative numbness after OKC surgery has a good prognosis.
Keywords: Jaw cysts; Keratocyst; Odontogenic cysts; Recurrence.
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